This rare Revolutionary War copper engraved battle map was published in David Ramsay's The History of the Revolution of South-Carolina… It depicts the unsuccessful British attack on Fort Moultrie, near Charleston, on June 28, 1776. Under the command of Admiral Sir Peter Parker, the British began to bombard the fort, which at the time was still under construction and called Fort Sullivan. As the cannons bounced off the palmetto walls of the fort, the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, led by William Moultrie, fought back and drove off the British ships. This early victory served as a rallying moment for the Continental Army. But less than four years later, the British would take the fort during the Siege of Charleston. On the map, each of Parker's nine ship is named, with most shown firing on the fort. Engraved by Charleston citizen Abernethie.

Ramsay was a resident of Charleston and known for his accurate historical reporting. He is also renowned as the author of "the most objective and sophisticated contemporary account of the Revolution" in his History of the American Revolution. His rare two-volume history of South Carolina (the source of this map) is notable for being the first work to receive a copyright in the United States. It was printed by Isaac Collins in Trenton, New Jersey.

References: Howes #R-36; Nebenzahl (Biblio) #72; Wheat & Brun #596.

Condition: B+

Issued folding on paper with a horn coat of arms watermark, light soiling, minor offsetting, and some short fold separations at top.